Content services are hidden away on Level 2 at Saunders Street in Sydney. Their efforts help keep the Network 10 engine running and on air, but not a lot of us understand what happens down in the content labs.
Joshua Urquhart and Georgie Creswick shed some light on Content Services…
The Water Cooler hears that you both recently discovered that there were levels of the Saunders building above Level 2… How long have you been at Paramount ANZ?
Josh: I’ve been at Paramount ANZ for about three years now, I entered the mighty Saunders Street building when I was 19 and have loved every minute of it.
Georgie: I’ve had the pleasure of being at Paramount for just over a year now.
Tell us about what exactly you do in the hidden control rooms of Saunders Street…
Josh: Well, for myself it is a bit different as I am a freelancer. As much as I work similar hours to everyone, the way my shifts are structured means I tend to do different jobs in the department.
We get around 50 news updates a day from all markets around Australia. My job is to quality check as well as clip up those updates and send them to the right places so they can go to air on time.
While I’m waiting for those updates to come throughout the day, I’m quality checking all your favourite Network 10 programs to make sure they pass our on-air standards. I also implement timecodes for segment time graphic supers.
Georgie: In what feels like the basement of the building, Content is always working on something around the clock.
As a full time op, my role differs from Josh’s but both roles can’t work without each other!
On a typical day you are often responsible for monitoring all missing media for broadcast, learning all schedules like the back of your hand, being across all live records for multiple departments, taking on any media requests from producers, camera ops, materials and executive production, and any other requests that other departments may have.
I feel that this is only the tip of the iceberg but the days are never boring and always different!
What is something that surprises people about your job?
Josh: It’s usually how much we have a hand in the Network 10 engine.
Everything in one way or another will come through Content Services – from dealing with camera-ops media, to everyone’s favourite Network 10 shows, to the national news updates they see.
Georgie: Something that would surprise others is that all media that has gone to air on Network 10 or streamed on Paramount+ has been bypassed through us first. This means we have a lot of connection with our overseas counterparts and often deal with systems and workflows that are different from our own.
This also means that our own workflows and processes are always changing but that’s what is great about working in Content.
What’s your favourite part of working at Paramount ANZ?
Josh: Honestly, it’s the people. I can confidently say I’ve made some life long relationships.
Everyone is so caring, smart and considerate of who you are as a person, your interests and goals not only in this company but in life.
Shoutout to Ben Duffy, our long serving Supervisor & Commander of Content. Not only does he single handily have a hand in so much to do with this company (not only in Content), he is a true example of a great boss. I truly can say confidently this whole company would not be as well oiled as it is without him.
Georgie: I definitely agree with Josh and it has to be hands down the people! At Paramount ANZ, everyone has always been very welcoming.
I’ve always been fascinated when meeting others outside of Content, seeing what others do and how often our roles are reliant on each other.
The Content team can always have a laugh and when the times get tough or busy, we always step up to the plate to help each other out.
Our leadership team are clearly passionate, supportive and encouraging, it makes you perform your job better.
Other than the people, the Paramount ANZ staff initiatives such as Hot Dog, Pizza or Pancake days have always put a pep in my step.
Outside of work, what would we find you doing?
Josh: Outside of work you’ll probably find me on a film set directing or in the cinemas!
I’m a filmmaker. I make it my number one goal to see every new movie that comes out in cinemas (the only real way to watch films). So, when it’s time to kick into action with my own scripts and sets, I’m at my most motivated and inspired.
Georgie: When I’m not busy at Paramount ANZ, I love to spend time with family and friends, go on bush walks and continue my quest to find the best salmon and eggs benedict and cappuccino that NSW has to offer. If anyone has must-try recommendations, let me know!
